Vaginal cancer is a disease of the vagina in which the cells in the vagina begin to multiply without any control and form abnormal cells or tumors. The vagina is a structure present with the uterus in the female reproductive system. Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs in women. Vaginal cancer usually occurs when the cancer spreads from other parts of the body and forms a tumor in the vagina. The cancer that starts in the vagina as a primary cancer is rare. The symptoms of vaginal cancer are not present in the early stages of disease and symptoms only appear when the cancer is in the advanced stages. Patients with vaginal cancer can have different symptoms than usual. The main cause of vaginal cancer is not clear but it mostly occurs when the changes occur in DNA and it produces some abnormal cells. Vaginal cancer can be of different types and that depends on the layer of the vagina involved in the disease. Some risk factors increase the chances of vaginal cancer. Treatment depends on the stage and type of vaginal cancer. If the vaginal cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the treatment can cure the disease completely. In advanced stages of disease, a combination of treatments is used to treat aggressive cancer. When the cancer is in the last stage, the treatment focuses on palliative care where symptom relief and the care of the patient becomes the priority instead of curing the disease itself.
Types of Vaginal Cancer Treatment India
Some of the treatments used for the vaginal cancer are:
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Surgery
- Immunotherapy
- Palliative Care
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a type of treatment in which high radiation is used to target and destroy cancer cells in the vagina. Radiation can be given to the patient from a source outside the body or it can be given by implanting a source of radioactive substance inside the tumor.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that can kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy treatment is often used with radiation therapy to increase the efficiency of treatment.
Surgery
In the surgical treatment of vaginal cancer, the tumor forms in the vagina is completely removed or the part of the tumor is removed surgically when it is not possible to remove it completely.
Targeted Therapy
In some cases, target drug therapy is used which specifically attacks the cancer cells in the vagina and kills them. This treatment has the advantage of limiting the damage to healthy tissues in the surrounding area.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy medications are used to prepare the body’s natural defense system to fight against the cancer cells. This treatment can be used for vaginal cancer in early stages but it may need a combination of other treatments in advanced stages of cancer.
Palliative Care
Palliative care treatment is used to provide relief from symptoms and to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced stages of vaginal cancer. It may include pain management and emotional support to patients and caregivers.
Diagnosis of Vaginal Cancer Treatment India
Some of the methods for the diagnosis of vaginal cancer may include:
Pelvic Exam
A pelvic examination is an important step in diagnosing vaginal cancer. The healthcare provider will visually inspect the vagina and other structures to identify any abnormalities or tumor growths.
Pap Smear (Pap Test)
During the pelvic exam, a Pap smear may be performed. This test involves collecting cells from the cervix and upper vagina to check for abnormalities. Abnormal Pap smear results may lead to further tests.
Colposcopy
If abnormalities are found during the pelvic exam or Pap smear, a colposcopy may be performed in which a specialized instrument with a light and magnifying lens is used to closely examine the vaginal tissues.
Biopsy
A biopsy test is performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the tumor which forms in the vagina. In a biopsy test, a small sample of tissue is examined in the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
Imaging Tests
In some cases, imaging tests such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) scans are performed to determine the extent or spread of cancer cells.
Additional Tests
Depending on the specific situation, additional tests such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans or lymph node biopsies may be performed to assess cancer spread.
Cost of Vaginal Cancer Treatment in India
The cost of vaginal cancer treatment in India ranges from 1500 USD to 2200 USD. The cost can vary according to the stage of cancer and the complexity of each patient with vaginal cancer. The cost can also vary according to the type of treatment used for each patient.
Vaginal Cancer Treatment : 1598 USD - 2131 USD
Symptoms and Risk factors
Some of the symptoms of vaginal cancer are as follows:
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
- Vaginal Discharge
- Painful Urination
- Pelvic Pain
- Pain During Sexual Intercourse
- A Lump or Mass
- Constipation
- Enlarged Lymph Nodes
- Vaginal Itching or Burning
- Changes in Bowel Habits
- Back Pain
- Fatigue
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Changes in Menstrual Patterns
- Anemia
Risk factors for Vaginal Cancer
Some of the risk factors that are associated with vaginal cancer are described below:
Age
The risk of Vaginal cancer increases with age because women over 45 are most commonly diagnosed with vaginal cancer.
Infection
Infection that spreads through sexual intercourse can increase the risk of vaginal cancer. The infection can severely reduce the immunity of the patient which leads to the development of cancer.
Smoking
The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can cause cancer in any part of the body including vaginal cancer.
Previous History of Cervical Cancer
Women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer are at an increased risk of developing vaginal cancer.
Weakened Immune System
Individuals with weak immunity or the patients who are taking some medications that reduce the immunity of patients can also cause vaginal cancer.
Radiation Therapy
The exposure of high radiations can disturb the functions of normal cells which may lead to the development of cancer. Women who received radiation in the treatment of previous cancer are at greater risk.
Family History
The positive family history of cervical cancer and uterine cancer also increases the risk of vaginal cancer.
Multiple Sexual Partners
Engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners may increase the risk of infection which is a major risk factor for vaginal cancer.
04/13/2024
